Mobile power system

ABSTRACT

A mobile power system comprises a plurality of energy sources, wherein at least one energy source is a solar powered generating device and at least one energy source is a wind powered generating device; a plurality of electronic and telecommunications components configured to receive the power generated by the plurality of energy sources and/or convert the power generated to direct current power; a plurality of batteries configured to store the direct current power; and at least one transportable housing configured to hold the plurality of energy sources, the plurality of electronic and telecommunications, and the plurality of batteries during transport of the housing, and wherein the housing is configured to remotely operate the at least one solar powered energy device and the at least one wind powered generating device when the mobile power system is in operation.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of and claims priority toU.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/878,765 filed on Sep. 9, 2010, whichclaims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/240,963;filed Sep. 9, 2009; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/265,632;filed Dec. 1, 2009; U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.61/265,629; filed Dec. 1, 2009; and U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationSer. No. 61/310,121; filed on Mar. 3, 2010; all of which areincorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to power systems and more particularly, tomobile, self-contained power systems that can be easily constructed inan in-field environment.

Electric power is typically routed from power generating stations alongan electrical power grid to end users, such as home owners andbusinesses. While electric power from traditional electrical power gridsis readily available in many locations throughout the world, thereremain vast regions where no electric power is available. Even inlocations where electric power may be available, there are a number ofsituations where an additional power source would be desirable tosupplement any existing power scheme. In particular, there are manyregions in the world where more than a majority of the people livewithout being connected to a power grid. For example, in some parts ofIndia and other developing countries, a majority of the people live invillages that have no power. In addition, other infrastructure, such aspaved roads, is likewise lacking and therefore, it is very difficult toeven establish a traditional electrical power grid since it can bedifficult to access such regions. Also, the building of a traditionalelectrical power grid requires a number of components including anetwork to connect power plants to multiple substations. The wiring fromsubstations to customers is referred to as electrical distribution.Other components such as substations with step down transformers and thelike are also required to deliver power to end consumers. Establishing apower transmission network is very costly and requires the developmentof a complex infrastructure that extends over a substantial number ofmiles to reach distant end users.

Over the recent years, there has been a significant movement to developalternative energy sources. Alternative energy generally refers to anysource of usable energy that is intended to replace fuel sources withoutthe undesired consequences of the replaced fuels. Two of the morestudied alternative energy sources are solar and wind power. Solar andwind power generation systems are known and can be applied in a numberof different applications; however, there are disadvantages associatedwith each. For example, these energy sources generally have not beenstandardized and therefore, they must be custom built for eachapplication and/or at each desired site. This results in the systemsbeing costly. In addition, these custom built systems typically requiredays to assemble and similarly, to disassemble. Moreover, traditionalsolar and wind power systems are not modular and typically, once aparticular system has been designed, it is very difficult to addcomponents to the system without a costly redesign or modification.

Conventional power transmission systems are neither intended nor arethey designed for easy transportation to a desired location. Asmentioned above, many areas where people do not have electric power areremote areas of countries that are far from more developed cities andmore developed infrastructure. Also, conventional power generationsystems do not provide adequate versatility for receiving power fromdifferent types of power generating devices, and for supplying power toa variety of different power receiving devices requiring different typesof electrical supply. Many power generating systems are designed with asingle type of power generating device, such as gas powered generator,solar powered generator, wind powered generator, etc. As a result,interchanging power receiving devices from the power generating devicesis very difficult if not impossible in existing power generatingsystems.

The present invention provides a power generating system that overcomesthe above-discussed deficiencies of traditional power generatingsystems.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Disclosed herein are mobile power systems and methods of transportingand assembling the systems. In one embodiment, the mobile power systemincludes a plurality of energy sources, wherein at least one energysource is a solar powered generating device; a plurality of electronicand telecommunications components configured to receive the powergenerated by the plurality of energy sources and/or convert the powergenerated to direct current power; a plurality of batteries configuredto store the direct current power; and at least one transportablehousing configured to hold the plurality of energy sources, theplurality of electronic and telecommunications, and the plurality ofbatteries during transport of the housing, and wherein the at least onesolar powered energy device and the at least one wind powered generatingdevice are disposed remotely from the housing when the mobile powersystem is in operation.

In another embodiment, a method of transporting and assembling a mobilepower system, includes storing a plurality of energy sources, aplurality of electronic and telecommunications components, and aplurality of batteries in at least one housing, wherein at least oneenergy source is a solar powered generating device and at least oneenergy source is a wind powered generating device; transporting the atleast one housing to a desired location; removing at least the pluralityof energy sources from the at least one housing; disposing the pluralityof energy sources remotely from the housing and in operativecommunication with the plurality of electronic and telecommunicationscomponents; receiving power from the plurality of energy sources andconverting the power to direct current power; and storing the directcurrent power with the plurality of batteries.

These and other advantages and features will become more apparent fromthe following description taken in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The subject matter, which is regarded as the invention, is particularlypointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion ofthe specification. The foregoing and other features, and advantages ofthe invention are apparent from the following detailed description takenin conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a mobile power system according to a firstembodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 2 and 3 are perspective views of a connection box and electricalcoupling members for electrically connecting the solar power generatingdevices to the electrical components within the housing;

FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of solarpanel array with collapsible frame member for the mobile power system;

FIGS. 5-7 are perspective views of an exemplary embodiment of thecollapsible frame members for deploying the solar panels;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of solar panels stored within the housingand ready for transport;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary housing of the mobilepower system;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a firstsection of the housing of FIG. 9;

FIGS. 11 and 12 are perspective views of an exemplary embodiment of thefalse floor and the third section of the housing of FIG. 9, the Figs.further illustrate the battery array in the third section;

FIG. 13 is a schematic showing an exemplary arrangement of components ofthe mobile power system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of theelectrical components disposed in the first section of the housing ofFIG. 9;

FIG. 15 illustrates a control panel of the mobile power system accordingto an embodiment of the present disclosure

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a bulkheadwall disposed in a first end of the housing of FIG. 9;

FIG. 17 is a close-up perspective view of the bulkhead wall of FIG. 16showing an exemplary embodiment of the control panel disposed therein;

FIG. 18 illustrates a mobile power system overview, according to anexample embodiment; and

FIG. 19 illustrates a mobile telecommunications power system overview,according to an example embodiment.

The detailed description explains embodiments of the invention, togetherwith advantages and features, by way of example with reference to thedrawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a mobile power system 100 in accordancewith a first embodiment of the present invention and in a fullydeployed, assembled condition. The mobile power system 100 mayoptionally include communications systems configured to providemonitoring and statistics for the mobile power system 100.

The mobile power system 100 is generally formed of a number ofcomponents. For example, the mobile power system includes a number ofpower generating devices that are alternative sources of energy that canbe harnessed at an in-field location, such as a remote village location.In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the mobilepower system 100 includes at least a first alternative energy source 200and a second alternative energy source 300. It will be appreciated thatthe mobile power system 100 can include more than two alternative energysources. In the illustrated embodiment, the first alternative energysource 200 is a solar based energy source and the second alternativeenergy source 300 is a wind based energy source. More specifically, theenergy source 200 includes a solar powered generating device 200 and theenergy source 300 includes a wind powered generating device 300 asdescribed in detail below.

In the embodiment of FIG. 1, a cross-sectional top-down view of thehousing 110 is shown in FIG. 9 to provide a view of the mobile powersystem components present in at least one of the housings when thesystem 100 is deployed and set up to generate power. The housing 110will be described in greater detail below, but in this embodiment thehousing 110 is in the form of a standard International Organization forStandardization (ISO) container and includes thick support pillars (notshown) arranged vertically at each corner of the housing 110. Thesupport pillars provide structural integrity for the housing 110 andallow the containers to be stacked and easily moved. Along the length ofthe housing 110, additional support pillars and support structure can beformed. In another embodiment, the housing 110 can have any shape andsize and may be in the form of another standard container, such as astandard Internal Aircraft/Helicopter Slingable Unit (ISU®) container.

Unlike some conventional mobile power systems, the mobile power system100 of the present invention is configured so that the solar poweredgenerating device 200 is not directly mounted and supported by thehousing 110 itself. Instead, the major components of the solar poweredgenerating device 200 are located remote from the housing 110; however,as described below, the solar powered generating device 200 is in fullcommunication with the electronic equipment and other equipment that islocated in the housing 110. In this manner, increased versatility isprovided since the solar powered generating device 200 is not limited tobeing retracted directly from the housing 100 or otherwise mounteddirectly thereto. In some settings, it may be difficult (e.g., due tolandscaping) for solar equipment, such as photovoltaic panels, to beextended from the housing 110 due to the presence of trees, rocks,waterways, etc. In the present invention, the solar powered generatingdevice 200 can be located a short distance from the housing 110 andtherefore, can be positioned at an optimal location, such as a clearedfield or the like, while permitting greater versatility as to where thehousing 110 needs to be located.

FIG. 1 further illustrates a top-down schematic view of an exemplarysolar panel array 210 of the solar powered generating device 200 of themobile power system 100. The solar panel array 210 can include aplurality of photovoltaic devices 220 of any conventional configurationfor converting solar energy to electrical energy. The photovoltaicdevices 220 can be formed in any conventional shape, such as the flat,rectangular solar panel shape illustrated in FIG. 1.

A plurality of the photovoltaic devices 220 can be coupled together inany conventional manner to form the solar panel array 210 as describedbelow. The exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1 illustrates a total of 12panels 220 per solar panel array 210. A total of 14 arrays are deployedfor the mobile hybrid power system 100. There are any number ofdifferent photovoltaic devices (modules) 220 that can be used in thepractice of the present invention. For example, one photovoltaic module220 is available from BP Solar under the trade name/product identifierBP 4175, which is a high-efficiency photovoltaic module using siliconnitride monocrystalline silicon cells. Alternatively, other suitablephotovoltaic modules 220 are available from XL Telecom & Energy Ltd.under the trade name/product identifier XL 24195.

It will be understood that appropriate electrical connections areprovided for electrically coupling the photovoltaic devices 220 togetherand allowing for the connection thereto of a unitary power output cordfor an input to the housing 110. For example and as shown in FIG. 1, anumber of photovoltaic devices 220 can be hardwired together throughelectrical lines so that the solar panel array 210 includes a singleelectrical coupling member, such as a female connector, configured toreceive a mating electrical coupling member of a power output cordconnected between the solar panel array 210 and the housing 110.Alternatively, each photovoltaic device 220 of the solar panel array 210can include its own power output cord connecting to the housing 110. Thepower output cord(s) extending from each of the solar panel arrays 210can be combined together at one or more connection boxes coupled to anexterior surface of the housing 110. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, aconnection box 212 is used to electrically interconnect two solar panelarrays 210, or 24 individual solar panels 220. The connection boxes 212are in electrical communication with the housing 110 and, as will bedescribed below, more specifically the power components disposed withinthe housing 110. FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate exemplary embodiments of oneassembly system for interconnecting the solar panel arrays withconnection boxes. FIGS. 2 and 3 further illustrate the connection box212 and the electrical coupling members 214 configured to electricallycouple the solar panel arrays 210 to the housing 110. The electricalcoupling members 214 can further include color coded connectors to aid aperson deploying the mobile hybrid power system in correctly connectingthe solar powered generating device 200. As shown in FIG. 3, theconnection box 212 can further include a hanger attachment 216configured to removeably attach the connection box to a support beam ofsolar panel array 210. This can prevent the connection box 212 frombeing a tripping hazard around the solar panels and will help to reducethe chance of disconnection from the housing 110 and/or damage to theconnection box 212.

A support frame can be used to properly position the solar panel arrayand support the photovoltaic devices 220 at desired angles relative tothe ground. The support frame can include one or more support membersthat can be coupled to a bottom surface of the solar panel array 210.For example, the support members can include a bottom base and avertical support member along with other support members (rails) thatcause the photovoltaic device 220 to be supported and maintained at anangle relative to the ground. For example, the photovoltaic devices 220can be angled toward the sun during the in-field installation. Thesupport members can easily be broken down and stored in convenientmanner without requiring much storage space. For example, the supportmembers can be tubular structures that can be joined to one another withcouplers that result in an interconnected structure being built. Bybeing formed with tubular components, the support frame is lightweightand therefore, can easily be manipulated as when assembling the parts.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, a number of photovoltaic devices220 (panels) are arranged in a side-by-side manner and are coupled toone another and further, the joined devices 220 include a common framemember 225 that is designed to easily be deployed in the field to causethe joined devices 220 to be positioned at an elevated, angled naturerelative to the ground. More specifically, the joined devices 220 can bestored within the housing 110 during transportation and the frame member225 is likewise already coupled to the joined devices 220 so that oncethe system 100 reaches its intended destination, the joined devices 220are simply removed from the housing 110 and the frame member 225 isextended to a fully deployed condition where the joined devices 220 aredisplayed in the desired angled position. The frame member can bedesigned so that the solar panel array 210 can be broken down into anynumber of individual photovoltaic devices 220 to maximize the number ofpanels that can be packed in the housing 110. For example, an individualframe member 225 can be attached to each panel 220, wherein the framemembers can then be joined together to securely form the solar panelarray 210. In another embodiment, the individual frame member 225 can beattached to two or more panels 220 of the solar panel array 210.

Turning now to FIGS. 5-8, an exemplary frame member 225 is shown in moredetail. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the frame member 225 is designed sothat it is easily foldable and more particularly, it pivots between aretracted position (shown in FIG. 5) in which the frame member 225 islocated adjacent or proximate the rear surfaces of the devices 220 andan extended position (shown in FIG. 6) in which the frame member 225extends outwardly from the devices 220 and provides ground contactingmembers seat against the ground. In one embodiment, the frame member 225is similar to a folding table structure in that it includes pivotal legs227. As shown in FIG. 6, the frame member 225 can include two differentsets of legs with each set of legs having different lengths. In thismanner, the longer legs 227 serve to elevate one end of the joineddevices 220, while the shorter legs 227 serve to slightly elevate theother end of the joined devices 220, thereby causing the joined devices220 to have an angled position in use. When the pivotal legs 227 areextended, the legs can be secured in this position with a lockingmechanism 228 configured to keep the legs from collapsing back into thestorage position. One example of a locking mechanism 228 is a cotterpin, such as the one shown in FIG. 7.

As shown in FIG. 5, the pivotal legs 227 are designed such that whencollapsed the legs are compact and approximately in a co-planar storageconfiguration in which the pivotal legs assume an approximatelyhorizontal position alongside one another, the major portions of thecross support members 229 are nested approximately within the recessformed in the pivotal legs 227. In one embodiment, the total thicknessof the panel with the frame member 225 collapsed is the thickness of thepivotal leg 227 plus the panel 220 thickness. In another embodiment, thetotal thickness of the panel with the frame member 225 collapsed issimply the panel 220 thickness, as the frame member 225 is attached tothe panel 220 such that the collapsed legs 227 are disposed within therecess of the panel framing 226 on the underside of the panel 220. Withthe legs 227 thus collapsed, their lower or outer surfaces arepreferably approximately flush with the bottom surfaces of theperipheral framing 226 about the panel 220. Again with this arrangement,the solar panel, when in the frame member 225 is in a collapsedcondition, has an overall depth which approximately equals the depth ofthe panel. By utilizing the thinnest possible frame member 225 when inthe collapsed, stored position, the least amount of space is occupied bythe panels 220 within the housing 110. Therefore, this efficient use ofspace allows for more panels to be shipped in one housing container, orother additional components to be included. FIG. 8 illustrates aplurality of solar panels 220, with their frame members 225 in a flushcollapsed position, stored within housing.

The number of panels (devices 220) that are joined together is selectedso that not only can the joined panels be easily stored in the housing110 during transportation but also the joined panels 220 can easily becarried by persons at the desired installation site. One of theadvantages of the system 100 of the present invention is that it caneasily be assembled and operated by unskilled persons at the in-fieldsite. In other words and unlike conventional systems, the components ofthe system 100 are designed and packaged in a user friendly manner andin a manner that does not require skilled persons for assembly thereof.In addition, the ease of use significantly reduces set-up time, etc.

In addition, the joined nature of the panels permits sets of panels tobe loaded into the interior compartment (e.g., compartment 1000 as shownin FIG. 9) of the housing 110 in a simple manner that likewise permitseasy unloading of the panels 220 at the site. As shown in FIG. 1, anumber of joined panel assemblies can be arranged in a side-by-sidemanner to form a longer array of photovoltaic devices 220 that can beplaced at a remote location relative to the housing 110 (the frame ofthe devices 220 is not attached to the housing 100).

The wind powered generating device 300 (shown more clearly in FIG. 1B)can be of conventional design. As is known, there are generally twotypes of wind machines (turbines) that are used today based on therotating shaft (axis) (e.g., horizontal-axis wind machines andvertical-axis wind machines). Like most wind machines, the wind poweredgenerating device 300 is a horizontal axis type and includes blades 310that catch the wind and spin and a generator that is part of a turbinethat converts the mechanical energy into electricity. It will beappreciated that a connector cable 312, for example a 30 ampere/240 voltA/C connector, carries electricity to the transmission line.

Different types of wind powered generating devices can be used with themobile power system as described herein. In one embodiment, for example,a tower type wind powered generating device can be used. In anotherembodiment, a lattice type frame can be used to support a wind poweredgenerating device. The tower type wind powered generating device isformed of a number of elongated pole segments that are coupled to oneanother to form the assembled tower wind powered generating device. Thewind turbine sits atop the assembled tower. The typical components of awind turbine include but are not limited to a gearbox, rotor shaft,generator and brake assembly, with the blades 310 being part of a rotorcomponent that converts wind energy to low speed rotational energy. Thegenerator component converts the low speed incoming rotation to highspeed rotation suitable for generating electricity.

In contrast to a tower type design, the frame structure of a latticetype wind powered generating device is formed of a number of latticeframe sections. The lattice frame sections can be assembled to oneanother to form the completed lattice frame. The lattice frame tapersinwardly toward the turbine. A bottom of the lattice frame is coupled toa support structure that is itself securely attached to the housing 110.An exemplary support structure has a first frame member that is mountedto the housing 110 (e.g., mounted to the first side wall 118 of thehousing 110). In addition, there are a number of additional framemembers that are coupled to and extend outwardly from the first framemember. For example, the support structure can include second and thirdframe members that extend outwardly from the first frame member (e.g.,at a right angle thereto) and are spaced apart from one another todefine a space for receiving the lattice frame. The frame structureincludes a base that is disposed on the ground and is securely attachedto the support structure.

In an exemplary embodiment, the mobile power system 100 can include twoor more wind powered generating devices 300, with the other wind poweredgenerating device being mounted from a diagonally opposite corner of thehousing 110. In other words, two wind powered generating devices can belocated at diagonally opposite corners of the housing 110. In oneembodiment, the tower and lattice frame structure has a height of about80 feet and a distance between the turbines is about 66 feet to allowfor a proper clearance between the turbine blades.

As will be described below, each of the tower and lattice framestructure is designed to be dissembled and stored as individualcomponents that can be stored in the housing 110. As with all componentsof the solar powered generating device, all of the components of thewind powered generating device are configured to fit within the housing110 during storage and transportation.

More specifically and with reference to FIG. 9, housing 110 can bespecifically compartmentalized or otherwise arranged so that thecomponents stored in the housing 110 can be easily removed in apredetermined manner that permits efficient assembly of the componentsof the system 100. For example, the housing 110 can include a firstregion or section 900, a second region or section 1000, and a thirdregion or section 1100. The first section 900 is in the form of a roomthat is formed in a rearmost location of the housing 110. As usedherein, the term “rearmost location” generally refers to a region of thehousing that is opposite the end of the housing which includes thedoor/opening. The first section 900 can extend the entire width of thehousing 110 and can be defined by an inner wall or partition 920. Theinner wall 920 extends from a floor 912 to the top wall 116 of thehousing. As described below, the floor 912 is a false floor in that itdoes not represent a bottommost surface of the housing 110; however, itcan extend from the second end 114 to the first end 112 of the housing.

In one embodiment, the housing 110 can further include an opening 914formed in the second wall 114 and configured to accommodate a coolingvent/unit. The opening 914 is typically formed in an elevated locationrelative to the ground (e.g., near the top wall 116). In anotherembodiment, the housing 110 has no openings other than the opening 122sealed by the housing doors 130 at the first end 112 of the housing. Aswill be explained in greater detail below, it is advantageous to keepthe housing 110 free from openings, holes, punctures, and the like. Assuch, in an exemplary embodiment, there are no mechanical attachments tothe interior of the housing that cause a puncture or hole from theinterior through to the exterior of the housing, such as bolt holes, andthe like.

In order to prevent such attachment punctures or holes on the interiorwalls of the housing, false walls can be disposed in the first section900. In one embodiment, a frame 916 having the shape of the firstsection 900 can be slid into the housing through the opening 122. Theframe 916 has dimensions only slightly smaller than the interiordimensions of the housing in the first section 900, such that the frame916 creates false walls in the first section 900. The false walls of theframe 916 can be used for attachment of system components, therebypreventing the need to attach equipment through the walls of the housing110. The frame 916 can be formed of any material capable of supportingthe desired system components attached thereupon. In one embodiment, theframe 916 can be formed of ¼ inch thick steel. As shown in FIG. 10, oneembodiment of the frame 916 can further include an optional partition918 to separate the first section 900. The partition 918 can be used toseparate the first section 900 into two or more sections. The firstsection 900 can further include an inner wall 920. The inner wall 920can be attached to the frame 916 and can include a lockable doordisposed within the wall 920, or the inner wall can be hingeablyattached to the partition 918 such that either side of the inner wall920 can be swung open to access the first section 900 on either side ofthe partition 918. In one embodiment, the inner wall 920 is formed of atransparent material, such as Plexiglas®, so that the electronicequipment in the room 900 can be monitored without repeated opening ofthe inner wall door(s).

In an exemplary embodiment, the first section (i.e., room) 900 isintended to be an electronics room that houses the electronic equipmentof the system 100. For example, the room 900 can house inverters,batteries, and other power electronics. Such equipment can be quiteheavy, and therefore the frame 916 described above advantageouslyprovides a surface upon which to attach/hang the electronic equipment.As is known, the electronic equipment generates heat and needs to havesome cooling and therefore, the cooling unit can be installed in theopening 920. It will be appreciated that the cooling unit can beinstalled prior to transportation or it can be installed in the field.When the frame 916 is used in the first section 900, however, a coolingunit is employed at the other end of the housing 110 in a bulkhead wallthat will be described in more detail below. As such, the cooling unitwill cool the entire interior of the housing (rather than just the room900), and the housing does not need to be punctured or otherwise alteredto utilize the cooling unit.

The second region 1000 is located above the floor 912 and extends fromthe inner wall 920 of the room 900 to the first end 112. This region isthe largest region in terms of volume and is intended to store all ofthe equipment of the solar powered generating device 200 (i.e., thesolar arrays) when not in use. In particular and as mentioned herein, inone embodiment, a predetermined number of the photovoltaic devices 220are arranged and coupled together to form a subassembly. The foldablenature of the support frames of the joined photovoltaic devices 220permits the joined frames to be conveniently stacked and arranged in aside-by-side manner. In addition, the second region 1000 can also storecomponents of the wind powered generating device 300, a dieselgenerator, or other like components for the mobile power system 100.

As mentioned above, the floor 912 is a false floor and defines the thirdregion 1100. As shown in FIG. 9, the third region 1100 extends thecomplete length of the housing 110 and can be disposed beneath theelectronics room 900. The false floor 912 is illustrated in FIG. 11. Inthis particular embodiment of the false floor 912, the false floorcomprises a plurality of individually removable panels 922. A framestructure, individual stanchions, or the like (not shown) can be used tosupport the removable panels 922 and form the elevated false floor 912.The false floor 912 can be formed of any material capable of supportingthe weight of the components used and/or stored above it. Exemplarymaterials will be those having the strength to support the systemcomponents, frame 916, persons operating inside the housing, and thelike, while be light enough for a person to lift one of the removablepanels if necessary to view the third section 1100. For example, thefalse floor 912 can be formed of a plurality of individually removablefiberglass panels 922.

In one embodiment, the third region 1100 is sized and utilized forstorage of the tower assembly (or lattice frame) of the wind poweredgenerating device 300. The tower sections are specifically sized so thatthey can be stored in the third region (compartment) 1100. In anotherembodiment, the third region 1100 is sized and utilized for storage andoperation of the batteries configured to store the power generated bythe various power generation devices. FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate anexemplary embodiment of a battery array 1102 disposed beneath the falsefloor 912 in the third section 1100. The batteries 1104 are anchoredbeneath the false floor 912 so that they do not move during transport ofthe housing 110. The batteries 1104 are in electrical communication withthe electronic equipment in the room 900 and are configured to storepower generated by the power generating devices when all of thegenerated power is not immediately being used by outside sources. Thebattery array 1102 represents an efficient use of space that aids inmaximizing the component storage for the housing 110 and, therefore, thepossible maximum power output for the mobile power system 100.

The housing 110 as described above, and the individual sections therein(i.e., 900, 1000, 1100) are important in the organization of the boththe stored/transportable system and the deployed/operational system. Byproviding an planned, ordered, and arranged system of packing, storing,and removing system components, the space of the housing 110 is used tomaximum efficiency and the setup time for the system is greatly reduced.In one embodiment, the mobile power system 100 can be removed (i.e.,unpacked) from the housing 110 and the system assembled and ready foroperation in eight hours or less, specifically four hours or less byoperators trained in assembly of the mobile power system 100.

In one embodiment and as shown in the schematics of FIGS. 1 and 13, thevarious energy sources and other electrical equipment are electricallyconnected via a common bus 700 (busbar). A busbar in an electrical powerdistribution, such as the mobile power system 100, refers to thickstrips of metal (e.g., copper or aluminum) that conduct electricitywithin a switchboard, distribution board, substation or other electricalapparatus. The busbar is either an AC or DC busbar depending upon thetype of current being used in a given application. Busbars can beconnected to each other and to an electrical apparatus by bolted orclamp connections.

In one embodiment, as illustrated, the mobile power system 100 includesa DC coupling arrangement including a DC bus 700. The use of a DCcoupling scheme greatly simplifies system expansion, extends the life ofbatteries, and increases the overall efficiency of daytime power usage.One of the most important factors in an off-grid system design, such asan off-grid photovoltaic system design according to the presentinvention, is the ability for the system to be added onto in the future.In other words, how easily can the system be expanded to accommodateincreases in demand for power. DC coupling (or AC coupling for thatmatter) provides an elegant solution to this issue by allowing all ofthe power generating devices to be connected to the system via a commonDC bus. As the demand for power increases, new sources of power can beinstalled and connected to the DC bus, thereby instantly increasing theoverall capacity of the system.

Generally speaking, the interior compartment of the housing 110 canstore the exterior and interior components of the mobile power system100 during transport of the system 100. Interior components of themobile power system 100 can include, for example, electronics andtelecommunications equipment, designed to, among other things, receive,store and convert the power receiving within the housing 110 from thesolar and wind powered generating devices 200, 300 or other powersupplying devices. Such equipment can include a combiner box forcombining the power received within the housing 110, one or moreinverters for converting the various forms of direct current receivingwithin the housing 110 to various forms of alternating current, one ormore batteries for storing direct current received within the housing110, and one or more backup power units or equipment, such as a dieselfuel driven generator, etc. It will be appreciated that the backup powerunit(s) can be located outside of the interior compartment of thehousing 110 and instead be electrically coupled to the housing 110 usingconventional techniques. The electronics equipment can allow for themobile power system 100 to distribute power in a plurality of electricalconfigurations such as a plurality of different voltages of alternatingcurrent and a plurality of different voltage of direct current.

In terms of the overall power generation and storage scheme, the mobilepower system includes a number of electrical components to process andstore the energy harnessed by the alternative energy devices. Forexample, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, there are six sets ofphotovoltaic devices 220 with each set containing 18 individualphotovoltaic devices (modules) 220. As shown in FIG. 13, the sets ofphotovoltaic devices 220 are electrically connected to the bus 700 whichcan be in the form of a 480 V DC bus. In one embodiment, thisarrangement of photovoltaic devices 220 generates a maximum power ofabout 477 V (Max power 7.4 A); however, this is merely one exemplaryarrangement and other outputs can be realized by equipment selection ormodification.

In the illustrated embodiment, there are a number of inverters 710 thatare contained within the housing 110 for converting the various forms ofdirect current received within the housing 110 to various forms ofalternating current. For example, the system 100 includes a number ofsolar inverters for converting the direct current received from thesolar powered generating devices and similarly, the system 100 includesa number of wind inverters for converting the direct current receivedfrom the wind powered generating devices. There are any number ofdifferent commercial inverters can are suitable for use in the presentinvention. For example, one type of solar inverter is a Sunny Boy 7000solar inverter from SMA Solar Technology. The Sunny Boy 7000 solarinverter is configured such that the input is DC power (from thephotovoltaic panels), while the output is AC power. Similarly, one typeof wind inverter is a Windy Boy wind inverter from SMA Solar Technology.The Windy Boy wind inverter is configured such that the input is DCpower (from the wind turbine), while the output is AC power. It will beappreciated that other inverter models from SMA Solar Technology can beused and moreover, inverters from other companies can equally be used.In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, there are seven sets ofphotovoltaic devices 220 with each set containing 24 individualphotovoltaic devices (modules) 220. Each of the sets of photovoltaicdevices 220 are electrically connected to a power inverter 750.Exemplary power inverters 750 can include, for example, Sunny Boy Series5000US, 6000US, 7000US, or 8000US series inverters commerciallyavailable from SMA America®. FIG. 14 illustrates the use of Sunny Boy6000US series power inverters disposed in the first section 900 of thehousing 110. The system further comprises four inverters 752 inelectrical communication with the main distribution panel 754, thebattery array 1102, and the like. The inverters 752 are configured tocontrol the flow of generated power, such as to the batteries, a powerload, or the like. Exemplary inverters 752 can include, for example,Sunny Island Series 5048US or 4248US series inverters commerciallyavailable from SMA America®

In addition to the use of inverters, a predetermined number of batteries1104 are used for storing the direct current received within the housing110 from the various alternative energy sources, e.g., the solar poweredgenerating device 200 and the wind powered generating device 300, etc.Any number of different types of batteries can be used from a widenumber of commercial sources. In one embodiment, the batteries are 12Vbatteries (e.g., batteries from MK Battery of Anaheim, Calif.). Thebatteries 1104 can be arranged in any number of different ways withrespect to the alternative energy sources. For example, there is a bankof batteries associated with the solar powered generating device 200 andthere is a bank of batteries associated with the wind powered generatingdevice 300. Additional associated equipment, such as battery chargecontrols 730, can be utilized as shown in FIG. 13.

As described below in connection with FIG. 15, the mobile power system100 can provide a power interface by means of an external control panel800 allowing for connection of a variety of load devices requiringdifferent electrical configurations. For example, load devices requiringdirect current, 120 volt alternating current and/or 230 volt alternatingcurrent. Additional components housing within the interior compartment140 can include other electronic devices, such as charge controllers,telecommunications system, such as wireless communications equipment,cooling systems, such as fans to cool the equipment, as describedherein, computer systems, etc.

FIG. 15 illustrates one exemplary exterior control panel 800 that can bea part of the mobile power system 100. The control panel 800 can beinstalled within a complementary shaped openings that is formed in thehousing 100 (e.g., in a side or end wall thereof) prior to delivery ofthe system 100 to the in-field site. It will be appreciated that thecontrol panel 800 can be installed in the housing 110 after the systemis delivered to the site and in such case, during transportation aweather proof cover of the like is used to protect the opening. It willalso be appreciated that even after installation in the housing 110, thecontrol panel 800 can be protected by means of a shield or the like thatprotects the control panel 800 against the weather.

The control panel 800 can include, for example, a vent 802 forventilation of the interior compartment 140, a telecommunicationsinterface 804, one or more input connectors 806 for the solar poweredgenerating devices 220, one or more; input connectors 808 for the windpowered generating devices 300, one or more AC load output connectors810 for supplying 120 VAC, one or more AC load output connectors 812 forsupplying 240 VAC, and one or more AC inputs 814 for receiving 240 VACfrom the backup power source, in this case, the diesel fuel generator.The control panel 800 can include one or more coax cable connections 820for receiving and sending, among other things, cable TV signals, one ormore antennae input or output connections 822, one or more circuitbreaker panels 830 having appropriate circuit breakers for the mobilepower system 100, and one or more grid tie interfaces 840.

In another exemplary embodiment, in keeping with the theme of having noholes in the housing 110, the control panel 800 can be disposed in abulkhead wall 1200. As shown in FIG. 16, the bulkhead wall 1200 isdisposed in the opening 122 at the first end 112 of the housing 110. Thebulkhead wall 1200 can be disposed in a position such that the housingdoors 130 can be closed and locked with the bulkhead wall 1200 in place.The bulkhead wall can comprise any material suitable for providing aninterior wall within the opening 122 of the housing 110. In oneembodiment, the bulkhead wall 1200 may be formed of an aluminum materialfor its lightweight strength and versatility. The bulkhead wall 1200 isremovable so that during setup of the mobile power system 100 the wall1200 can be removed and the components to be deployed outside thehousing, such as the solar panels 220, can be removed from the housing110. The bulkhead wall 1200 includes a first opening 1202 configured foran access door 1204. The door 1204 provides access into and out of thehousing interior, which is important after setup of the system 100 formonitoring of the electrical components, batteries, and the likeoperating within the housing during use of the system. The bulkhead wall1200 further includes a second opening 1206 configured to accommodate acooling vent/unit 1210. The cooling vent/unit 1210, as described above,is configured to regulate the temperature within the housing 110 and,thereby, protect the electronic components that can be sensitive toextreme temperatures. During transport or for any reason the housingdoors 130 need to be closed, the cooling unit 120 can be removed fromthe second opening 1206, as the unit may extend beyond the bulkhead wall1200 exterior. As mentioned, the bulkhead wall 1200 can further includethe control panel 800. FIG. 17 illustrates the control panel 800disposed in the bulkhead wall 1200. In this embodiment, the controlpanel 800 includes input connectors 806 for the solar powered generatingdevices 220, an input connector 808 for the wind powered generatingdevice 300, two AC load output connectors 810 for supplying 120 VAC, andan AC input 814 for receiving 240 VAC from the backup power source, inthis case, the diesel fuel generator. It is understood that otherembodiments of the control panel 800 can include any number of otherinputs and outputs, such as, without limitation, one or more coax cableconnections for receiving and sending, among other things, cable TVsignals, one or more antennae input or output connections, one or morecircuit breaker panels having appropriate circuit breakers for themobile power system 100, telecommunications interfaces, one or more gridtie interfaces, and the like.

Hereinafter, additional example embodiments including broadband agnosticterminals are described with reference to FIG. 18.

The mobile power system 1500 of FIG. 18 may include a plurality ofalternative power sources 1501-1504. The alternative power sources aredescribed in detail above, and thus exhaustive description is omittedherein for the sake of brevity. The mobile power system 1500 may furtherinclude control(s) 1510 disposed to control, monitor, regulate, and/orperform any other suitable function with regards to the alternativepower systems 1501-1504. For example, the control(s) 1510 may be incommunication with the alternative power sources 1501-1504 throughcommunication medium 1505. The communication medium 1501 may be anysuitable communication medium or combination medium effectivelyestablishing and/or maintaining communication between control(s) 1510and the alternative power sources 1501-1504.

The mobile power system 1500 further includes the agnostic terminal 1520in communication with other components of the mobile power system 1500over communication medium 1505. The agnostic terminal 1520 may includebroadband agnostic communications 1521, and therefore the agnosticterminal 1520 may be a broadband agnostic terminal. Therefore, thebroadband agnostic terminal 1520 may be in communication with a controlunit(s) and/or other suitable portions of a mobile power system,including external systems and/or units over a variety of communicationmediums, either concurrently or through seamless switching.

The broadband agnostic terminal 1520 may be a terminal configured toestablish communication over different types of broadband and/orcommunication mediums (e.g., 1521). The broadband agnostic terminal 1520may be secured within the housing 110 (e.g., within the electronics room900), or on/within any suitable portion or location in the vicinity ofthe power system 100.

The broadband agnostic terminal 1520 may be configured to establishcommunication over a plurality of different communications mediumssimultaneously, sequentially, in parallel, or in any other suitablemanner. The communication mediums may include, but are not limited to,BGAN, KU Band, CDMA, GSM, IDEN, UMTS, LTE, GSMR, UHF, VHF, HF, anymilitary defined radio access technology, and/or any other suitablemedium. The broadband agnostic terminal 1520 may also be configured toestablish and maintain IP sessions via indigenous noted network topologyavailable in the vicinity of a deployed mobile power system. Forexample, the broadband agnostic terminal 1520 may be “patched” in orconnected to an existing public switched telephony network, wide areanetwork, local area network, and/or other suitable network to establishcommunications across the globe over the Internet. In another example,the broadband agnostic terminal 1520 may use data services or accessfrom a cellular telephone or cellular adapted computer to establishcommunications. In yet another example, the broadband agnostic terminal1520 may use a satellite link(s) to establish communications. Thebroadband agnostic terminal 1520 may also include wireless (e.g., 802.11A/B/G/N ad hoc hotspot) capability for wireless access on site or withinthe vicinity of the mobile power system such that other devices externalto the mobile power system may access data services through thebroadband agnostic terminal 1520. It follows that any suitablecommunications medium or combination thereof may be applicable toexample embodiments, and thus example embodiments should not be limitedto only the examples discussed above, but should include all availableand/or applicable technologies suitable to any particular application ofan example embodiment.

The broadband agnostic terminal 1520 may be further in communicationwith periphery, portions, or the entirety of the mobile power system 100over IP, Serial, Form C contact closure, and/or any other communicationlayer 1 connectivity from the infrastructure/mobile power systemperiphery to the broadband agnostic terminal 1520 (e.g., 1505). Eachportion of the mobile power system may provide statistics to thebroadband agnostic terminal 1520 such that the statistics may betransmitted through the broadband agnostic terminal 1520.

The broadband agnostic terminal 1520 may utilize load balancing, userdefined “Least Cost Routing”, and/or other suitable methodologies toenable “best fit” technology with single or multiple blades (in anaccretive manner) to establish and maintain redundant communicationsbetween any monitoring station (i.e., in communication over a, or acombination of, communication mediums described herein) and the mobilepower system.

This communication link may be periodical, “always on”, or anycombination thereof, and may allow the mobile power system to transmitand receive constant communication message traffic from the nativemonitoring station (e.g., back office) in an agnostic fashion. Theagnostic backhaul features described above allow the “health status”,“health functions”, and/or statistics of a mobile power system to beproactively monitored by a user-defined TSOC or NOC.

Example health statistics/functions such as Electrical Control Room DoorOpen, DC power level, AC power level, Battery status, Temp, Self Check,Amperage draw, THD, power remaining (watts, and amps), wind statuscheck, solar status check, histograms of all above, as well as future asuser-defined metrics are available via the broadband agnostic terminal1520.

Furthermore, the broadband agnostic terminal 1520 may include, oralternatively be in communication with, GPS enabled chipset/antennaethat may stamp message traffic with TOD (Time of Day) as well as currentLat/Long or finer/coarser geographic location data. The broadbandagnostic terminal 1520 may be powered through the power generated at themobile power system, and may also have associated antennas mountedaccordingly.

It is also noted, that in accordance to rugged example embodimentsdescribed above, the broadband agnostic terminal 1520 may be disposed toremain operational in a variety of harsh environments. For example, thebroadband agnostic terminal 1520 may be configured to remain in a stableoperational state throughout the AREMA temp spec or greater, oraccording to any desired specifications.

Hereinafter, additional example embodiments of mobile power systems fortelecommunications systems are described in detail with reference toFIG. 25.

With regards to FIG. 19, it is noted that the mobile power system 1600(1) includes Commercial AC input (240 VAC Single Phase) as option; (2)may have Load floated through battery plant at all times; (3) May haveenvironmental conditioning powered off of 240 VAC or 48 VDC Bus; (4) mayhave Battery plant of rated KW with suitable SOC (state of charge); and,(5) said TVSS is fed off of 240 VAC leg for protection (TransientVoltage Surge Suppression).

Turning back to FIG. 19, a legacy public switched telephony network(PSTN) 1601 may be in communication with a mobile power system 1602. Themobile power system 1602 is described in detail above with regards tomultiple example embodiments, and thus further exhaustive description isomitted herein for the sake of brevity.

The legacy PSTN 1601 may include a 240 VAC single or multi-phasegenerator 1611 in communication with a 240 VAC transfer switch 1612. The240 VAC transfer switch 1612 may receive power from a commercial powersource 1613, a hydrogen fuel cell 1621 of the mobile power system 1602,or any combination thereof. For example, the hydrogen fuel cell 1621 maybe considered an alternative or backup power source, or a primarysource. Similarly, the commercial power source 1613 may also beconsidered either a primary or backup power source, depending upon anydesired application.

The PSTN 1601 may further include 240 VAC distribution 1614 incommunication with the 240 VAC transfer switch 1612. The 240 VACdistribution 1614 may be in communication with surge suppression system1615 such that transients or surges are reduced.

The PSTN 1601 may further include 48 VDC rectifiers 1616 receiving ACpower from the 240 VAC distribution 1614. The 48 VDC rectifiers 1616 mayreceive battery backup from battery plant 1618. The battery plant 1618may also receive power from the 48 VDC rectifiers, such that aneffective battery backup system is provided within the PSTN 1601.Furthermore, the 48 VDC rectifiers 1616 may provide 48 VDC to 48 VDCdistribution 1617 for distribution within the PSTN 1601.

According to the arrangement 1600, the PSTN 1601 may receive power frommobile power system 1602 over medium 1630. The medium 1630 may bedisposed to provide relatively well conditioned power, for example withless than five percent (5%) total harmonic distortion (THD). Powerconditioning may be introduced through the medium 1630, orthrough/within the mobile power system 1602.

Furthermore, and as described in detail above, the mobile power system1602 may include a plurality of alternative energy sources 1622-1625.Alternative power sources are described in detail above with regards tomultiple example embodiments and thus exhaustive description is omittedherein for the sake of brevity.

Hereinafter detailed description of data and power connections to PSTNis provided below.

The PSTN is embodied in the hierarchy of the telephone company. In termsof obtaining access to the PSTN, a Local Exchange Carrier or LECprovider is necessary to provide a connection via a pair of wires or alocal loop to connect the end user or subscriber to the public telephonenetwork. In today's deregulated telecommunications environment, aCompetitive Local Exchange or CLEC may also provide access to the PSTN.The requirements of the end user or subscriber will help determine thetype of connection or local loop needed from the LEC or CLEC localaccess provider.

POTS service is the most basic wired connection type offered for accessinto the public telephone network. This type of connection consists oftwisted pairs of copper cable that connect an end user customer to thepublic network. This service is primarily used for switched voiceservices along with dial-up modem connections for data services. Astandard RJ-11 type jack is the interface provided for connecting thecustomer equipment to the circuit.

DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) service provides high speed digital modemtechnology via a conventional telephone line using signal frequenciesabove those used for voice or fax so that the DSL signal does notinterfere with voice or fax conversations. The DSL service provides atraditional POTS type voice connection along with Broadband internetaccess.

A DSL line is delivered to the customer on the same type of copper cablepairs as POTS service with a standard RJ-11 type jack as the interface.A DSL modem is required to provide broadband internet access. The DSLmodem is connected to the circuit via the RJ-11 jack interface. AnEthernet connection is provided via the DSL modem with an RJ-45 typejack interface.

A T1 line is a dedicated connection consisting of 24 individual 64 Kbpschannels each of which can be configured to carry voice or data traffic.Telephone companies typically allow customers to lease a fraction of theline known as fractional T1 Access. A standard RJ-45 type jack is theinterface provided for connecting the customer equipment to the circuit.

LEC and CLEC companies provide T-1, Fractional T-1, and T-3 service asaccess links into carrier networks. For delivering multiple T-1 orFractional T-1 circuits to a customer, it may prove more economical tothe provider to serve an area with fiber and then drop out individualcircuits rather than deploying multiple circuits on copper cable pairs.When delivering T-1 or Fractional T-1 connections, a demarcation panelor NIU device with RJ-45 type jack interface is installed as the handoff to the customer.

For T-3 type circuits, a LEC maintained fiber optic system is deployedto deliver the circuit to the customer. Coaxial cables with BNC typejacks comprise the physical connection to the end user equipment for T-3circuits.

For access to the PSTN, these connections must be channelized at boththe LEC Central Office and at the customer premise. Data applicationsmay use either a portion of or the entire bandwidth of the circuit. Forprivate line connections, in addition to T-1, Fractional T-1, and T-3rates, several SONET level bandwidth capacities are available to enduser customers.

Optical interfaces are typically delivered to end user customers witheither single mode fiber optic cable with 1310 nm wavelength or may alsobe configured to connect with multi-mode fiber with 850 nm wavelength.Standard connector types include SC and FC type. The end user customermust have applicable CPE equipment capable of connecting to OCn levelconnections.

For data applications and increasingly for IP voice, Ethernet access isavailable in metro areas. End user customers are able to utilizeEthernet bandwidth to build private networks connecting remote officesand are also able to utilize Ethernet access for IP voice applications.SIP trunking allows IP voice to connect to the PSTN. To successfullydeploy SIP trunking, an end user must utilize an IP enabled PBX with SIPenabled trunk side, an enterprise edge device understanding SIP, and aninternet telephony or SIP trunking service provider.

Ethernet bandwidth may be delivered to the end user at 10/100 BaseT upto 1 Gig bps ports. Customers that require higher bandwidth may alsoobtain services up to 10 Gig bps. At these higher bandwidth speeds, theconnection type to the customer is fiber optic cable with the connectortype determined on an individual case basis.

In telephony, the demarcation point is the point at which the telephonecompany network ends and connects with the wiring at the customerpremises. A demarcation point is also referred to as the demarc, DMARC,MPOE (minimum point of entry or main point of entry). The demarcationpoint varies between countries and has changed over time.

The modern demarcation point is the network interface device (NID). TheNID is the telco's property. The NID may be outdoors (typically, mountedon the building exterior in a weatherproof box) or indoors.

The NID is usually placed for easy access by a technician. It alsocontains a lightning arrestor, fuse and test circuitry which allows thecarrier to remotely test whether a wiring fault lies in the customerpremises or in the carrier wiring, without requiring a technician at thepremises. The demarcation point has a user accessible RJ-11 jack (a“test jack” or “demarcation jack”), which is connected directly to thetelephone network, and a small loop of telephone cord connecting to thejack by a modular connector. When the loop is disconnected, theon-premises wiring is isolated from the telephone network and thecustomer may directly connect a telephone to the network via the jack toassist in determining the location of a wiring fault. In most cases,everything from the central office to and including the demarcationpoint is owned by the carrier and everything past it is owned by theproperty owner.

As the local loop becomes upgraded, with fiber optic and coaxial cabletechnologies sometimes replacing the original unshielded twisted pair tothe premises, the demarcation point has grown to incorporate theequipment necessary to interface the original premises POTS wiring andequipment to the new communication channel.

Electronics, agnostic terminals, and/or control equipment of mobilepower systems described above may be disposed to communicate with PSTNover any suitable connection including, but not limited to, thosedescribed above. Furthermore, standard interface components of a PSTNincluding power termination components may be in communication with, orarranged to communicate and receive power from mobile power systems, forexample as described with reference to FIG. 19.

Therefore, as described above, mobile power systems according to theexample embodiments provided herein may be configured and disposed toprovide power to existing PSTN, new PSTN, or any combination thereof.The mobile power systems may be configured to provide relatively wellconditioned power over a medium which may provide standardized DCvoltages to the PSTN. The standardized DC voltages may be a singlevoltage (e.g., 48 VDC) or a plurality of voltages such as in a “widebus” (e.g., 48 VDC, 12 VDC, and 5 VDC, etc). These voltages may beprovided before or after a 48 VDC distribution of the PSTN.

Hereinafter, a more detailed description of housings of exampleembodiments is provided.

As used in this description, “housing” is a receptacle or container forthe storage, use, and/or transportation of the various mobile powersystem components described in detail above. The housing of the mobilepower system can be any structure configured to contain the mobile powersystem components while being freely mobile using standardtransportation practices. The housing can have any size and shapeappropriate for the intended mode of transportation to deliver themobile power system to the desired location. Likewise, the housing canbe formed of a material or materials capable of protecting the mobilepower system during transport while also meeting any weight limitationsrequired by the mode of transportation. Generally, the housing will beformed of metal, such as steel or aluminum, but in some embodiments thehousing can be a lighter weight material, such as a composite. Moreover,the mobile power system described herein can be contained in a singlehousing or can occupy a plurality of housings. Several factors candetermine the number of housings required to contain the mobile powersystem such as, without limitation, the intended mode of transportationfor the system and the amount and size of the system components to betransported (e.g., the number of solar panels desired).

Another advantage of the mobile power system 100 as described herein,particularly in relation to the housing 110, is that none of theexterior system components need be in physical communication with thehousing when the system is assembled and in operation. In particular,none of the alternative energy power generating components are coupledto the housing. Rather, the system components are merely in electricalcommunication with the components of the system that remain and operatewithin the housing. This provides a flexible footprint for the mobilepower system in operation, such that the exterior components aredisposed in strategic locations remote from the housing. Such strategiclocations can be based upon a variety of factors, for example,topography, altitude, ultraviolet exposure, wind exposure, vulnerabilityto attack, and the like.

The transportable housings as described herein satisfy international andmilitary standards and regulations regarding portability andstackability, including ISO, Container Safety Convention (CSC), CoastGuard Certification (CGC), and Military standards (MIL-SPECS, such asMIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-2073, and the like). For example, and illustratedby the housing 110 of FIG. 1, the housing can be a standard size, shape,and weight freight or shipping container meeting ISO guidelines.Generally, an ISO container is a standardized metallic enclosedstructure having a floor, a roof, four walls and at least one door allwith specified dimensions and design attributes. Common standarddimensions of ISO containers include, but are not limited to, lengthdimensions of 20, 40, 45, 48, and 53 feet, a width dimension of 8 feet,and height dimensions of 8.5 feet and 9.5 feet. The containers typicallyhave four standard, factory installed, corner fittings on the uppersurface of the container roof to lift and position the containers duringtransport. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the housing 110 is an ISOcontainer having a length (L) of approximately 40 feet.

Using a standard ISO freight container as the housing 110 of the mobilepower system 100 provides many benefits. For example, using a standardISO freight container provides access to the numerous worldwidetransportation systems that are designed to facilitate movement of suchstandard containers throughout the world. Once the freight containerreaches a port or the like, it can then be moved to the in-field siteusing conventional transportation, such as a truck that is configured toreceive and carry the freight container to the site. The use of astandard ISO freight container for the housing 110 provides a sturdy,protective structure for the storage of the interior and exteriorcomponents of the mobile power system 100 during transportation. Inaddition, the housing 110 protects interior components (electronicequipment) from the environment once the system 100 reaches its intendedlocation and is assembled in the field. Further, the size and weight ofthe standard ISO freight container protects against unintended movementof the housing 110 be it by weather forces or human intervention. Thefreight container 110 also provides a robust structure that is difficultto vandalize and theft of the interior components is difficult since thedoors of the container 110 can be sealed and locked.

To transport the mobile power system 100, the ISO specified housing 110of FIG. 1 can be properly and securely loaded with the desired systemcomponents and the housing then closed and locked and/or sealed fortransport. The housing 110 can then be placed aboard any form oftransportation suitable for ISO containers. Exemplary modes oftransportation for ISO containers can include, without limitation,trains, trucks, ships, aircraft, such as fixed wing cargo planes, andthe like. In many cases, in order for the mobile power system 100 toreach its desired destination, the housing 110 may have to be moved fromone mode of transportation to another. For example, the mobile powersystem 100 may first be loaded upon a cargo ship. Upon the ship reachingits port of destination, the housing 110 can be lifted from the cargoship and placed upon, for example, a truck trailer for delivery inland.

In order to take advantages of the numerous benefits that are accordedby using a standard ISO freight container as the housing 110 of themobile power assembly 100, it will be appreciated that the containershould be designed to allow for rapid assembly and disassembly of theexterior components to and from the housing 110, while not altering ormodifying the housing 110 so that it no longer conforms to theappropriate standards for shipping (i.e., the ISO standards).

To reiterate, the housing used with the mobile power systems describedherein can be any container, receptacle, shelter, or the like suitablefor transporting the mobile power system by truck, ship, train, or air.Again, the ISO container labeled as housing 110 of FIG. 1 is shown forillustration purposes only. In other embodiments, it may not bepractical for the mobile power system to be contained and transported ina standard ISO container. In such embodiments, other standardizedcontainers can be used, such as ISU® containers or Mine Resistant AmbushProtected (MRAP) containers, or the containers can have anon-standardized, custom configuration suitable for the particularmobile hybrid power system packed therein. As noted above, the mobilepower system is particularly useful in remote areas, such as villageswith no traditional power grid and little-to-no infrastructure. Often,these remote villages are difficult to access due to rugged terrain andthe like. Other useful applications for the mobile power system include,without limitation, military and counter-insurgency type applications.These applications can require deployment of the mobile power system inareas that are not only remote, rugged, and often uninhabited, but alsomay be susceptible to attack. As such, traditional means of transportingthe housing may not be feasible, whether it be due to the difficultterrain over which the housing must be carried, or the potential hostileareas through which the housing must travel. For such deployment, it isnecessary to use suitable forms of transportation to deliver the housingto its final destination, which may not include standard transportation,such as commercial trailer trucks. Examples of transportation modes fordelivering the housing in these hostile and extreme conditions caninclude, without limitation, helicopters, all-terrain vehicles, andmilitary transports, such as family of medium tactical vehicles (FMTV),family of light medium tactical vehicles (LMTV), heavy expanded militarytactical trucks (HEMTT), and the like.

Delivery over such terrain and/or through such environments willgenerally require one or more housings designed for the dimension andweight limitations of the chosen transportation mode or modes. Forexample, delivery of the mobile power system to a mountainous regionmight require that each housing has a weight that enables a militarytruck to pull the housing load up steep grades. Similarly, it may bedesirable to deliver the mobile power system to the mountainous regionvia air transport, such as by helicopter. In such an embodiment, themobile power system components can be disposed in a plurality ofhousings configured to fit inside the helicopter cargo holds. Dependingon the type of helicopter used, the mobile power system can be deliveredin a single helicopter, multiple helicopters, or by multiple trips withthe single helicopter. Because these types of uses for the mobile powersystem generally require smaller and or lighter housings, it will beadvantageous to deploy the mobile power system in a plurality ofhousings. In one embodiment, for example, the mobile power system can becontained in two 20 feet length (L) containers configured to be carriedon a military transport. In such an embodiment, the components of themobile power system can be disposed within the two housings in anyfashion suitable for including all the desired components within the twohousings, while meeting predetermined weight limitations for eachhousing. For example, the first housing can contain solar powergenerating components and/or wind power generating components. Thesecond housing can then contain the electronics, telecommunications,batteries, and the like to complete the mobile power system, as well asmany additional solar panels or wind power generating devices as willfit in the second housing. Such a design will provide additionalflexibility to the mobile power system, because more wind or solar powergenerating devices can be included as needed. In another embodiment, themobile power system can be divided into four housings, wherein eachhousing comprises dimensions suitable for transport in a helicopterinterior. Each of the housings can be the same size or they can bedifferent. Similar to the embodiment described above, the mobile powersystem components can be divided and contained in the four housings byany means suitable for delivering the complete mobile power system. Inan exemplary embodiment, it is desirable to divide the components withinthe four housings such that the system can be assembled in the mostefficient manner, and the maximum amount of alternative power generatingdevices can be included.

With regard to transport of the housing or housings by helicopter, eachhousing can be configured to travel internally or externally with thehelicopter. Some helicopters have internal cargo departments as well asthe ability to carry loads externally, such as by sling. The housingsdescribed herein can be configured to travel with helicopters internallyor externally, depending on, for example, helicopter internal cargo holddimensions, helicopter internal payload ratings, helicopter externalpayload ratings, number of housings required for the mobile powersystem, and the required dimensions of the housing(s) for the particularmobile power system design. Exemplary helicopters for use intransporting the housing include, without limitation, cargo helicopters,utility helicopters, and cargo vertical helicopters. Examples of cargohelicopters include the CH-47 Chinook, CH-46E Sea Knight, CH-53 SeaStallion, CH-53E and 53K Super Stallions, and the like. Examples ofutility helicopters include the UH-1 Iroquois, UH-60A, C, L, and M BlackHawks, SH-60B, SH-60F, MH-60R, MH-60S, and HH-60H Sea Hawks, and thelike. Examples of cargo vertical helicopters include the CV-22, V-22A,HV-22, SV-22, MV-22B, and CV-22B Ospreys, and the like. Each of thesehelicopters will have different internal cargo hold dimensions, internalweight capacities, external load weight capacities, and external loadattachment capabilities. Examples of the variations in helicopterloading capabilities are shown in Table 1.

TABLE 1 Internal External Weight Internal Load External AircraftCapacity Dimensions Capacity Capability CH-47 28,000 lbs. 7 ft 5 in. W ×26,000 lbs Single Point (12,700 kg) 6 ft 5 in. × (11,793 kg) & DualPoint 30 ft 3 in. L CH-53 32,000 lbs 7 ft. 6 in. W × 36,000 lbs SinglePoint (14,515 kg) 6 ft 6 in. H × (16,329 kg) & Dual Point 30 ft. L CH-468,000 lbs. 6 ft W × 6 ft 10,000 lbs. Single Point (3,628 kg) H × 24 ft(4,535 kg) 2 in. L UH-60 2,640 lbs 6 ft 6 in W × 8,000 lbs Single Point(1,197 kg) 5 ft 10 in × (3,628 kg) 19 ft 8 in L CV-22 15,000 lbs 5 ft.11 in. W × 15,000 lbs Single Point (6,803 kg) 6 ft H × 24 ft. (6,803 kg)& Dual Point 2 in. L

The housing(s) as described herein can advantageously be designed tosuit the limitations of the particular helicopter model intended fortransport of the mobile power system. As such, the housing can bedesigned for internal load or external load. When designed for externalhelicopter load, the housing is configured to be able to support thedynamic load imposed by the lifting and slinging of the housing, whichcan be about three times the static load of the housing. Housingssuitable for the above-described modes of transportation, includinghelicopter transportation, include containers commercially availablefrom AAR Mobility Systems. Exemplary containers commercially availablefrom AAR Mobility Systems include their Internal Aircraft/HelicopterSlingable (ISU®) series container units; specifically the 56000 ISU®series containers, such as the ISU® 60, ISU® 70, ISU® 80, and ISU® 90containers. This nomenclature distinguishes the overall height of thecontainer. For example, an ISU® 90 container has a 90-inch height. Allof these container housings are transportable by many of the helicoptermodels described above, as well as air transportable by fixed wingaircraft, such as the C-130, C-141, C-5, C-17, KC-10, commercialaircraft, and the like. The 56000 ISU® series containers can be airlifted in the internal cargo holds of the helicopter or they can beexternally lifted using a single-point or a dual-point riggingprocedure. The type of helicopter transportation will depend, in part,on the model of helicopter used and size of the housings. As such, the56000 ISU® series containers include one or more winching rings locatedat the lower corners of the housing and configured to provide attachmentpoints with which to secure the containers during transport. Likewise,the 56000 ISU® series containers are helicopter sling certified, and assuch, include attachment points located at least at the upper corners ofthe housing and configured for rigging one or more housings to ahelicopter. Moreover, the 56000 ISU® series containers can also be 463LCertified for the military's pallet cargo system.

The mobile power system as described herein can advantageously bedeployed in various terrains, environments, and situations by a widevariety of transportation means. Moreover, the mobile power system canbe disposed in one or more housings during transport. An advantage ofdisposing the mobile power system components in more than one housing isthat each housing can be smaller and lighter than the size of housingthat would be required to contain the entire mobile power system.Moreover, additional housings can be added to the system as desired toincrease the number of solar power generating devices, wind powergenerating devices, or the like, thereby increasing the potential poweroutput of the mobile power system. Each of the housings for the mobilepower system can be serially attached when deployed in the desiredlocation, or the housings can be deployed remotely from one another, butin electrical communication therewith. Such deployment of the housingscan be advantageous if the terrain is unsuitable for deployment of allthe housings and system components in a single location. Also, formilitary application of the mobile power system, tactically spreadingout the location of each housing (and the components therein) preventsthe entire mobile power system from being taken out in a single attackon one location. Moreover, as mentioned above, the components unpackedfrom each housing, particularly the alternative energy generatingdevices are assembled and disposed in operation remotely from thehousings themselves.

The mobile power system as described herein can be advantageouslydeployed in nearly any location in any climate to provide renewableenergy, telecommunications, and remote monitoring to places where suchservices are lacking. The mobile power system can be used to generateenergy and provide power to any application that requires power in thevicinity of the mobile power system. As mentioned above, the mobilepower system can be housed in any number and size of housings suitablefor the power demands and terrain over which the system must travel toreach the desired location. In an exemplary embodiment, for a systemcapable of delivering 40 kW of power or more, the mobile power systemcan be transported in two 20-foot containers. The containers can becarried, for example, on military trailers. The containers can be packedin any manner suitable for rapid deployment of the system. In oneembodiment, one container will contain the electronics component room,the false floor with battery array underneath, and a plurality of solarpanels. The second container can contain the wind power generationdevice components, additional optional components, such as dieselgenerator(s), and the like, and excess solar panels to increase thepower generated by the solar power generating device. In an exemplaryembodiment, such a mobile power system is capable of delivering at least40 kW of power.

Moreover, multiple mobile power systems can be used in tandem in asingle location when multiple applications require powering, or thepower demands of a single application require more power than a singlemobile power system is capable of delivering. Such applications caninclude, without limitation, power equipment and tools, electricvehicles, telecommunications, telemedicine, lighting, and other systems,such as security, and the like. An exemplary application for use withthe mobile power system is a water generation system. In one embodiment,a single mobile power system is used to power the water generationsystem. In another embodiment, the system can comprise two mobile powersystems; one to power the water generation system, and a second toprovide energy to any other applications utilized at the location. Instill another embodiment, In another embodiment, the system can comprisethree mobile power systems; one to power the water generation system, asecond to power telemedicine needs, and a third to provide energy to anyother applications utilized at the location. As used herein, “watergeneration system” is generally intended to refer to any systemconfigured to generate water from an air stream. Exemplary watergeneration systems generally comprise an inlet for receiving an airstream, a condensing element located in the air stream, a collector forgathering water vapor condensate that is formed on the condensingelement. The water vapor condensate can then be cleaned and filtered byany means commonly known to those having skill in the art to producepotable water. For example, the water vapor condensate can be reverseosmosis membrane filtered, ultraviolet (UV) purified, ozone disinfected,and the like. The water generation system can provide hot or cold waterin nearly any climate, including hot and arid climates. In an exemplaryembodiment, the water generation system is in electrical communicationwith the mobile power system and is capable of producing about 1,000 toabout 5,000 liters of potable water per day. An exemplary watergeneration system is the Oasis System commercially available fromAir2eau Ltd. An advantage of this system, is it can be housed in one ofthe 20 foot containers (or an additional container beyond the numberneeded for the particular mobile power system used) and transported tothe intended location with the mobile power system. As such, the mobilehybrid power system can then power the water generation system andrepresents an endless supply of sustainable potable water from the airvia a renewable energy source.

Again, it is understood that this is but one example of an applicationconfigured for use with the mobile power system. Any number ofapplications can be envisioned for use with the renewable energyprovided by the mobile power system described herein.

While the invention has been described in detail in connection with onlya limited number of embodiments, it should be readily understood thatthe invention is not limited to such disclosed embodiments. Rather, theinvention can be modified to incorporate any number of variations,alterations, substitutions or equivalent arrangements not heretoforedescribed, but which are commensurate with the spirit and scope of theinvention. Additionally, while various embodiments of the invention havebeen described, it is to be understood that aspects of the invention mayinclude only some of the described embodiments. Accordingly, theinvention is not to be seen as limited by the foregoing description, butis only limited by the scope of the appended claims.

1. A mobile power system, comprising: a plurality of energy sources,wherein at least one energy source is a solar powered generating device;a plurality of electronic and telecommunications components configuredto receive the power generated by the plurality of energy sources and/orconvert the power generated to direct current power; a plurality ofbatteries configured to store the direct current power; and at least onetransportable housing configured to hold the plurality of energysources, the plurality of electronic and telecommunications, and theplurality of batteries during transport of the housing, and wherein thehousing is configured to remotely operate the least one solar poweredenergy device and the at least one wind powered generating device whenthe mobile power system is in operation, wherein the at least onetransportable housing comprises a first end, a second end opposite thefirst end, a top wall, a first side wall, a second side wall oppositethe first side wall, a bottom wall, and at least one opening disposed inthe first end, the second end, the first side wall, the second sidewall, the top wall, or a combination comprising at least one of theforegoing, and wherein the at least one transportable housing comprisesa control room disposed in a rearmost portion of the housing oppositethe at least one opening, wherein the control room is configured tohouse at least one of the plurality of electronic and telecommunicationscomponents.
 2. The mobile power system of claim 1, wherein the controlroom further comprises a cooling unit disposed in an end or wall of thehousing at the rearmost portion, wherein the cooling unit is configuredto control a temperature and a humidity in the control room.
 3. Themobile power system of claim 1, wherein the at least one transportablehousing satisfies International Organization for Standardizationstandards, Container Safety Convention standards, Coast GuardCertification standards, Military Specification standards, MineResistant Ambush Protected standards, or a combination comprising atleast one of the foregoing industrial or military standards.
 4. Themobile power system of claim 1, wherein the at least one housingcomprises two or more Internal Aircraft/Helicopter Slingable seriescontainers commercially available from AAR Mobility Systems.